Agri Innovations

John Deere Adds to Its Precision Technology Suite for 2019 Including New 4240 Universal Display

Tue, 28 Aug 2018 12:26:18 CDT

In the ever-changing world of technology, John Deere is rolling out new precision ag solutions and updated software that can be used on more brands of equipment while providing expanded applications. These new products include the 4240 Universal Display, AutoTrac™ Universal 300 guidance solution and updated 18-2 Gen 4 software, all designed to help farmers farm even better in 2019 and beyond.

The new weather-resistant 4240 Universal Display adds to the Gen 4 display family as an affordable, portable, and durable option for many types of farming operations, no matter what Mother Nature brings. Documentation and AutoTrac™ automated guidance are included with the purchase of the display. For farmers who want to do even more with their new display, Section Control and Data Sync with John Deere Operations Center can be added. The 4240 Universal Display, which replaces the GreenStar™ 2 1800, offers a user-friendly experience in an easy-to-read, high-contrast 8.4-inch touchscreen that’s enclosed in a weather-resistant, IP65-rated shell for open-station equipment.

“The 4240 Universal Display is perfect for producers who want an economical but robust display for AutoTrac and documentation. It can be used on open-station John Deere tractors and equipment of other brands,” said John Mishler, tactical marketing manager for John Deere precision ag products. “It’s the ideal display for customers running mixed fleets who need basic precision applications for drawn sprayers, baling, planting, tillage and other operations.”

Other features of the 4240 include video input and Ethernet ports, ISOBUS compatibility, a multi-color display screen and scalable functionality depending on customer preference. Basic documentation and guidance are included with the display purchase and customers have other options. Some may choose to deduct AutoTrac to use the display as an implement-only display. Others may choose to expand display applications to include Section Control, variable rate applications, Wireless Data Transfer, Data Sync with John Deere Operations Center, and Remote Display Access with additional subscriptions.

In addition, John Deere is introducing AutoTrac Universal 300 for use on John Deere and other brands of machines that are not AutoTrac ready. This newest guidance product offers even more features customers will find useful compared to AutoTrac Universal 200, which it replaces. These include easy, automatic setup; a smaller, more comfortable steering wheel; and a quieter steering motor in a weather-resistant housing.

AutoTrac Universal 300 is a complement to the new 4240 Universal Display for open station tractors and other equipment and is designed to get customers into the field quickly, reliably and confidently. Setup is easy; simply press “Start Calibration,” drive several hundred feet, and AutoTrac Universal 300 determines the correct settings for the equipment.

“Most producers have experienced time and cost savings, as well as the convenience and precision, that automated guidance offers,” Mishler added. “AutoTrac Universal 300 provides producers these same benefits when operating machines that aren’t currently AutoTrac enabled in an easy-to-use, affordable system.”

Lastly, John Deere has updated software for its Gen 4 family of displays with the Software Update 18-2. This software update provides improvements in performance, machine uptime and cost and convenience of operation by adding customer-requested functionality.

With the 18-2 software update bundle, customers using any Gen 4 Display with a v2 processor have access to basic documentation at no charge. They can view multiple map layers at the same time, and utilize third-party rate controllers and receivers for additional documentation, mapping and data analysis through the John Deere Operations Center.

For example, the 18-2 update allows operators to mark points of interest with flags, in the field and then share that information between John Deere displays on other equipment via the Operations Center; view as-applied rates alongside variety or yield maps; and allows the 4640 Universal Display to work with a wider variety of equipment and applications.

“The new 18-2 software update bundle provides greater functionality, more versatility and application customization, allowing customers to do a better job with many field operations and bringing greater efficiency, value and information,” explained Mishler. “All these new precision ag products are designed to help add a higher level of accuracy, provide access to more data, and handle more applications so that producers can be more productive and profitable.”

For more information on the new 4240 Universal Display, AutoTrac Universal 300 guidance system and 18-2 Gen 4 software update, contact your local John Deere dealer or visit JohnDeere.com/PrecisionAg.